Scripture:
1 Samuel 26:7-12, 15-16, 21-22
Thu, 21 October 2021

A Theology of Saul’s Spear

Observation:

What is the significance of Saul’s “spear” being mentioned six times in 1 Samuel 26 (vv.7, 8, 11, 12, 16, 22)?

Deeper Reflection
THE RECURRING MENTION of Saul’s “spear” in 1 Samuel 18 to 26 is not without significance. Saul’s “spear” is mentioned 13 times, with six times in 1 Samuel 26. Like a sceptre, Saul’s “spear” symbolises royal presence and power,33 and “that spear…is a hall-mark of Saul”34. This is portrayed in Saul “sitting…on the height” at Gibeah “with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing in front of him” during his pursuit after David’s life (1 Sam 22:6). God’s intention for Saul’s “spear” was to deliver His people from the Philistines (1 Sam 9:16). But out of selfish ambition, jealousy, insecurity and anger, Saul used his “spear” twice to try to kill David (1 Sam 18:10-11; 19:9-10) and even on his own son for defending David (1 Sam 20:33). Saul’s spear “always seemed to be in his hand”35 (1 Sam 18:10; 19:9), except in 1 Samuel 26: Saul was sleeping “with his spear stuck in the ground at his head” (v.7). Saul was now totally defenceless, despite “the omnipresent symbol of his power”36 in his spear and protection of Abner and 3,000 men (vv.7-8). The irony is, Saul was almost assassinated by Abishai with his own spear (v.8). Saul was effortlessly disarmed by David when he took his spear (vv.7-8) – a symbol of Saul’s power was gone. Saul’s spear was now in David’s hand and David had the power to return it to Saul (vv.21-22). But ultimately, “the spear in Saul’s hand” (1 Sam 18:10; 19:9) was in God’s sovereign hand.
33 Ronald F. Youngblood, 768; Robert D. Bergen, 256
34 Ronald F. Youngblood, 768 – citing David M. Gunn
35 Dale Ralph Davis, 198
36 Dale Ralph Davis, 273
Application:

How will I face “the spear(s) in Saul’s hand” situations that make life challenging for me?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise:
  • Pray for Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To rest in God’s sovereignty in working under difficult, powerful people.
  • Pray for significant people:
  • Pray for those in need:
  • Pray for self:

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

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